by Larry Lagarde

If you're planning a trip to Israel, you may want to take along your folding mountain bike so you can ride a portion of the Israel Bike Trail ("Shvil Yisrael B'Ofanayim").

In the works since 1997, the 1200 kilometer long Israel Bike Trail (IBT) will run from Mt. Hermon to the Gulf of Eilat. The route passes Lake Kinneret, the Mediterranean Sea, the Dead Sea, Masada as well as through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, Galilee, the Carmel and the Judean Desert. (Photo: Masada)

Much of the trail will consist of former dirt roads that are being modified into single track. The trail is being narrowed to prevent ATV's and other vehicles from using the route.

Lodging accommodations are being built every 35-40 km along the IBT so cyclists can ride from inn to inn. The entire route is expected to be complete within 3 years.

Trail planners foresee the IBT drawing ecotourists from around the world. Given the natural and historical sites the trail will pass, I predict it will become popular with families seeking a vacation that satisfies adults and children alike. Count me in!

More...
The Israel Bike Trail
Cyclenix MTB Club Israel

Labels: great places to go bicycling, Israel Bike Trail, Shvil Yisrael B'Ofanayim